Student Profiles
Lauren Hall, Undergraduate
Years at VCU: Fall 2005 - May 2009
What made you decide to major in art education?
During my year in art foundations I was undecided as to which art field I was interested in going into. I spent some time visiting each of the departments open house events. I knew very well that I cared a lot about both young people and art. When I came to hear about Art Education I remember becoming very excited about the program and the many possibilities that becoming an art educator would hold. So, I suppose it was the very convincing presentation given by the Art Ed faculty that grabbed my attention and persuaded me to major in art education.
What has been one of your best experiences with the Department of Art Education?
The best experiences I have had in the Dept. of Art Education have all been spent in schools either doing service learning or my practicum teaching. Actually being with the children and learning from them is amazing. I loved the short time I was allowed to spend in a special needs classroom at Linwood Holton Elementary. Those students taught me way more than I could ever learn in a college classroom.
What role does your art making practice play in your teaching practice?
Personal art making and teaching practice go hand in hand. As I have progressed in my own art making abilities through various studio classes and my personal exploration of media I have become much more confident about teaching students these same skills and techniques.
What advice would you give to someone that wants to major in art education?
For anyone who wants to major in art education I would advise them to make certain of two things. Primarily, anyone who teaches needs to have a love and deep respect for young people as well as a passion for seeing them learn. Secondly, you need to be concrete in your belief in the value and benefit of the visual arts. If you’re uncertain about either of these than you ought to change your major.
If you are teaching in the schools through practicum and student teaching courses, how has your coursework prepared you for these experiences?
The coursework that came before my practicum experience was very helpful for laying the foundation I needed for being a competent teacher. I was given an understanding of child development and how it applies to teaching. I was instructed in the basics of how to form lesson plans and sculpt them into unit plans. We read many books and had discussions that explored various teaching styles, cultural issues, technological advancements, and provided a vast array of instructions on how to organize and manage a classroom. With the bank of knowledge and experiences I have collected I feel confident stepping into a classroom of actual students.
Victoria (Tori) Lynn Kesling, Undergraduate
Years at VCU: Fall 2003- December 2008
Why do you want to teach art?
I wanted to take the things I loved most in my education and give back. Art was one of them. The arts are the only guaranteed classes a student can take where expression is accepted and encouraged. While you are afforded opportunities for expression in other areas, it is not necessary to the learning environment. Expression results in passion, and passion results in change in an individual person, a group, and even a nation. If we are looking to change the world, and children are our future- shouldn't they be encouraged to express themselves and become passionate about something?
What has been one of your best experiences with the Department of Art Education?
Service Learning! It's a lot of work, but it's literally invaluable. My favorite service learning experience was at the Faison School for Autism. I knew nothing about autism and was terrified. I chose to volunteer there for that reason and it really paid off. I learned so much about children with special needs and most of all: learned not to be afraid of them and how capable and fun they are.
What role does your art making practice play in your teaching practice?
While working for the VCUart's Dean's Office as a facilities tour-guide I learned that VCU professors teaching studio courses are required to be working artists themselves. I originally thought that seemed kind of silly but soon realized how beneficial it was. What would a painting professor who hasn't painted since 1976 be able to tell you about current painting styles other than theory? This helped me realize that as an art teacher and theatre teacher I needed to stay current and invested in the changes happening in the art world. Being informed is one thing while being involved is another. Developing oneself as an artist goes without question if I intend to encourage my students to pursue art. I often times use my own work as examples in classes in conjunction with cultural exemplars. Being able to say that I made it in the past year says a lot more than never showing them any aspect of my work.
What advice would you give to someone that wants to major in art education?
Really think about it. Realize that it is not just a job- it's a lifestyle. Being a teacher is a lot of work- but it can be SO rewarding. Being an art teacher is even more work- and IS rewarding. Think of the things you might have to alter about your lifestyle to be a teacher: personal image, actions, and even the art you present. If for one second you consider those things a loss then teaching might not be for you. In high school I had purple hair and wore punky clothes- I was all about my alternative image. If you looked at me today you might have never guessed that. I fell in love with teaching and realized that I could still be an alternative person without wearing a self-made uniform declaring it. I am a teacher molding children into the future's citizens. I don't need purple hair or fishnets to do that.
Are you a double major, transfer student or second-degree seeking student? If yes, what has your experience been like thus far?
Yes- I am a double major in Art Education and Theatre Education with a minor in English. No- it wasn't easy. Yes- I'm glad I did it. A word to the wise: make sure you realistically understand how long it is really going to take and make sure it is worth it to you. If it's not worth it you'll feel you've wasted time. If it is worth it, every second will be meaningful. Every second wont be fun or easy, but it will be worth it.
Julz Suder, Undergraduate
Years at VCU: Fall 2004- May 2009
What made you decide to major in art education?
Deciding to major in art education was such a natural choice for me. I had always loved being an art student in every level of my education and the art room had always been a very comfortable place for me. VCU's Art Education program was a perfect fit for me because they required students to take studio courses, expected students to be practicing artists, and they were serious about changing education, empowering and teaching young students through art.
Why do you want to teach art?
I want to teach art for all the obvious reasons like being able to create, laugh, and explore every day. As for the not so obvious reasons, I want to surround myself with creative and caring citizens who problem solve, live in the solution, and change and add to the world. I think teaching art to children and giving them creative opportunities sets them up to be see through a problem, whatever it may be, and become active in positive change.
What has been one of your best experiences with the Department of Art Education?
I have had some great opportunities and wonderful memories during my time as an Art Education student. One of my best experiences was traveling to Guatemala during the spring break of my junior year to teach art lessons to elementary aged students. We prepared for our students and travels while in Richmond during a once a week class and during our stay we worked on creating a brighter school with murals, worked with teachers to develop art lessons they could continue after we left, and provided art materials and classes for the students.
What advice would you give to someone that wants to major in art education?
I would advise students who are thinking about majoring in Art Education to seek out service learning opportunities that involve art and children and become active in the community now. Visit an NAEA student chapter meeting, meet with an advisor, and go to a conference! Be prepared to work hard, create substance, and uncover meaning in your lessons.
Are you a double major, transfer student or second-degree seeking student? If yes, what has your experience been like thus far?
I am also seeking a minor in Art History and while it has delayed graduation a bit for me I feel that is it worth it. Taking writing intensive courses and memorizing slides was not easy for me, but I feel it is important to have knowledge and experience in what you are teaching. I can't imagine not taking classes. I am all for continuing my education even after finding a job.
What do you intend to do with your degree and teaching license when you are finished?
I am not sure what level I want to teach yet or if I want to teach in the public school, private school, or museum education setting. I intend to work with students who are in at-risk situations or from low socio-economic backgrounds and work to empower them through their artwork and exhibition. I would like to work abroad more and help to expand school curriculum's to include art.
If you are teaching in the schools through practicum and student teaching courses, how has your coursework prepared you for these experiences?
Presently, I am a student teacher and working to complete my degree. The coursework and professors I have had as a student in the department have set me up for success. I have had opportunities to teach and observe different age groups, socio-economic groups, and cultures. Some of the most important lessons were learning how to incorporate and utilize technology, time and class management, and creating meaningful lessons plans that included personal ties to my students lives.
